The Beauty of Marble & Porcelain in Bathroom Remodels

At Amareaux, we love bathrooms. They’re the most intimate spaces in a home—where your day begins and ends, and often where yougo to recharge. Over the years, we’ve learned that the materials you choosefor your bathroom truly set the tone for how the space feels and functions. Two of the most requested surfaces we work with aremarbleandporcelain. Both have their own strengths, challenges, andpersonalities—and often, the best bathrooms use a thoughtful combination of the two.

Marble: Timeless Luxury

There’s a reason marble has been used in design for centuries. It feels luxurious in a way that no other material can quite replicate. The veining patterns are unique to every slab, which means no two bathroomswill ever look exactly the same. It’s like bringing a piece of art into your home.When we design with marble, clients often describe the look asquiet elegance—a surface that instantly elevates a bathroom into something more than functional. Whether it’s a marble vanity top, a dramaticshower wall, or a herringbone floor, the effect is timeless.That said, marble does require care. It’s porous, so it needs to be sealed, and it can etch or stain more easily than manmadesurfaces. For some homeowners, this patina is part of the charm—a reminder thatnatural stone is alive and unique. For others, it means marble is best used strategically, where its beauty shines without becoming a maintenance worry.

Porcelain: Practical Beauty

Porcelain has come a long way in the last decade. Today’s porcelain tiles can mimic the look of marble so closely that it sometimes takes a trained eye to tell the difference. But unlike marble, porcelain is non-porous, highly durable, and incredibly low-maintenance.In Michigan homes—where humidity, kids, pets, and busy family life are all realities—porcelain can be a lifesaver. It’s resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, making it ideal for showers and high-trafficflooring. Plus, with modern manufacturing, we can source porcelain inlarge-format slabs, reducing grout lines and creating a seamless, contemporary look.

The Blend: Best of Both Worlds

Some of our favorite bathroom remodels blend both marble and porcelain. Imagine a spa-like retreat where thevanity and tub surround are wrapped in real marble, bringing that natural elegance into theroom. Then, in the shower, durable porcelain takes over—giving you the marble look without the maintenance concerns.This approach gives our clients thebest of both worlds: the luxury of marble in key places, and the practicality of porcelain where life really happens.

What We Recommend

When clients ask us, “Should I do marble or porcelain in my bathroom?” our answer is usually: it depends on your lifestyle.

  • If you love natural materials, don’t mind a bit of care, and want a bathroom that feels truly one-of-a-kind—marble is unbeatable.
  • If you prefer durability, low-maintenance, and the look of stone without the upkeep—porcelain is the smarter choice.

And if you want it all—we’ll show you how to layer the two in a way that feels cohesive and intentional.At Amareaux, our design ethos has always been aboutbalancing beauty with livability. Bathrooms are not just rooms—they’re retreats. With the right mix of marble and porcelain, we can transform them intospaces that feel elegant, functional, and deeply personal.